The Beauty in Bartending: Meet Angel Ji of Triptyk

Welcome to ‘The Beauty in Bartending’, a five-part series featuring a quintet of Malaysia’s leading female bartenders, who dish on their careers and beauty routines. Why beauty? Because who knows more about long-lasting makeup looks more than these powerhouses who spend long hours shaking up a storm behind the bars. In this read, we get to know Angel Ji, founder of Triptyk. 

If you knew anything about Kuala Lumpur’s cocktail industry, you would know this one name: Angel Ji. An early riser in the local bar scene and a prevailing stalwart of the movement as a whole, she is an image of strength, skill, and sustainability. Not only is Ji—who now runs Kampung Attap venue Triptyk—shouldering responsibilities at her venues, she is also working the hardest job in the world simultaneously: being a mother. Through her 16 years in the industry, she has consistently shown up for herself and her peers with her tipples and untiring spirit—all with flawless eyeliner. 

In this interview series, we’re taking our conversations one step further by asking our tipple talents about their makeup looks and self-care regimens that get them through the demanding hours. Read on to find out more about the inner workings of Ji’s role and her beauty non-negotiables! 

At what point did you realize you wanted to be a bartender/could do this for a living?

What made me stay in bartending was realising that mixing drinks isn’t just a culinary art—it’s also about the history behind alcohol and cocktails. The evolution of cocktail eras and the reasons behind different trends are fascinating. Observing how the world adapted and how cocktails evolved with each generation became my first real education in social sciences.

What is one responsibility most people don’t know about when it comes to bartending?

From personal experience, you don’t want blood on your hands. Guests come to our establishments to unwind, to enjoy themselves, and to let go—and we’re here to give them that. But we’re also responsible for making sure they get home safely. That means checking if they’re hydrated enough to drive, encouraging them to use ride-sharing, or making sure they leave with a trusted friend.

Another responsibility I take very seriously is their safety while they’re with us. That includes constantly observing the room—watching for unwanted advances, keeping an eye on guest behavior, and stepping in early when drunken arguments start to build. Prevention is part of the job and it can make all the difference.

How do you get guests to keep coming back to your bar?

Service. Good, honest service with deep chats, light-hearted jokes, informative updates, and interesting debates.

What is your mantra when it comes to the bartending profession?

This is a tough one! I typically have one mantra for every transition of my career from “I’m a bartender who mixes” to “Keep it simple, keep it coming” to “the guests pay your salary—get over yourself and shake the cocktail”.

Would you agree that bartending has become a boys club and how has that impacted your career?

Definitely not now, though maybe in the early days it felt that way. The boys never treated us differently—it was more often the guests, some (not all) potential bar owners, directors, or the general public who made it a bigger deal than it should’ve been. That sometimes led to our personal achievements being overlooked. 

But in my experience, the boys were slightly softer with us, yet never expected us to take the easy way out just because we’re women. Everyone is expected to earn their stripes regardless of gender, religion, or race. Surprisingly—and fortunately—my journey in Malaysian bartending has shown that everyone is equal here.

What’s one piece of advice you have for young women looking to join the industry?

Not sure if this counts as advice, but this career isn’t for the weak. It demands you to be a jack-of-all-trades and, for some, a master of none. You need to be quick yet graceful, confident in uncertainty, creative yet good with numbers. To outsiders, it might not seem like much, but we know that bartenders are warriors. 

The strength you develop in this industry is admirable. It’s tough, but the rewards are deeply fulfilling—something you don’t find in many jobs. I say this as someone who worked in nine different industries before settling into bartending. Maybe this advice isn’t just for young women, but for anyone who wants to join us.

Shoutout your three favourite bars to visit as a guest in KL!

Coley, a bar that always feels like home. It’s comfortable, familiar, and consistent in all the right ways. JungleBird, a place where I know I’m in good hands. The vibe is welcoming and I always leave feeling a little better than when I walked in. Lastly, Gentle Giants is where I go to unwind or hide from reality. They know how to read the room and that is an extremely helpful skill to have. It’s never really the bar, it’s the people. 

What are your best tips for long-lasting beauty beat behind the bar?

Water, and lots of it—with hydration salts! I even downloaded an app to track my water intake. After 16 years, I’ve tried everything. Alcohol and late nights will dehydrate your skin and if your body is “heat-y” (as per Traditional Chinese Medicine), there’s an internal odour that eventually seeps out of every pore. It’s not the cure, but hydration is definitely the beginning of a healthier path.

What is your go-to hairstyle for work? How do you stay cute and F&B-friendly?

Slicked-back hair with two tiny fringes for a bit of cuteness. Hair flopping around and sticking to your sweaty forehead is only sexy if you’re on a beach.

What are your must-have beauty products for every shift? 

Eyeliner and mascara. They’re the best way to draw attention away from your eyebags after a late shift.

How do you cope with the challenging sleep schedule?

I’m still figuring it out, but I’ve learned that how you wake up is just as important as how you sleep. Before bed, I cut down on screen time, drink plenty of water—no hamster sips, real gulps—especially if I’ve had drinks. Magnesium, melatonin, and any night tea help too. Some say it’s a placebo, but it works for me. Oh, and exercise! Yes, it’s cliché, but when I did it consistently for months, it worked 98 percent of the time. Even if my sleep wasn’t long, it was better. I’m also lucky to be able to make up for lost hours during my days off. It’s a skill and I’m grateful to have inherited it.

What’s the first thing you do when you get back home from a long shift?

Wash my feet, remove makeup, wash my face, game or doomscroll, and then contemplate whether that midnight snack is a need or a want.

Find the rest of ‘The Beauty in Bartending’ series here.